German progressive death metal titans Obscura have announced their first ever Latin American appearance this December in Mexico City. This special one-off show will take place on December 8th at Circo Volador with Portugal’s Moonspell. Guitarist/Vocalist Steffen Kummerer commented on the upcoming appearance:

"We are proud to announce our very first show in Mexico City after almost 10 years of playing Death Metal! This is the first show in Latin America for Obscura and our fan base in Mexico is just incredible. Since there were rumors spread about this single show we receive every day more and more messages from fans if this is going to be true. We can confirm the concert with Portugal's finest, Moonspell, and make this a special show for everyone. We are looking forward to playing for you!"

Additionally, Obscura is about to celebrate the band's 10th anniversary with a string of shows in Germany. More details will be announced shortly. The band is also currently streaming 2011’s "Omnivium" (reviewed here) in the bandcamp player below. More...

Portugal's Moonspell has posted a new blog online discussing the band's history, as well as recent and upcoming activity. Front man Fernando Ribeiro comments:

"Summer set itself in all its grace and power in the land of Portugal but we take this three-week break from festivals to think about and organize the year. There is now a lot of expectation to run and it’s not an easy task to please all appetites.

"Do not pity us. The summer work of Moonspell is always pleasurable and sometimes we give in to some hours on the beach, or in my case, the balcony for fresh air, cold beer and friends. The prospect of a carefree summer is just another of our utopias and we know that being busy in the summer is actually a good thing. With its share of suffering, of course, couldn’t be otherwise.

"To sit down and write a few words is a more welcoming thought than an immediate action but I guess that’s children growing, asking for your full attention and nothing can really beat that smiley appeal of your own seed. Not even closing the deal to a festival, or arrange a forthcoming tour.

"Next week, we start to rehearse for Sombra/Shadow/Umbra show that we are specially recreating for Wacken. This has, so far, proven to be quite a Herculean job, as 16 people will be travelling from Portugal. Plus we will be using also local crew. In a few days, under the oppressing heat (AC is something studios mainly put away because it does interfere with the sound) Moonspell, Opus Diabolicum (the 4 cello/percussion combo which play with us on stage) and our singers Crystal Mountain Singers, we will be sweaty but happy, as this show is very special for all of us and hopefully the fans who will watch it. We have played a full tour of Sombra, in Portugal, and it was very successful. Wacken was looking to spice up their tremendous bill with some of these moments, so we got on the bill, because they liked what they heard and even if there is, momentarily, some anguished expectation if this show will go well in the World’s biggest METAL fest, the vibe is positive and, in the end, people will be surprised and, hopefully, enchanted as it happened in all the dates in our country. More...

Portuguese gothic metal act Moonspell, which released new album "Alpha Noir" (reviewed here) back in April, has now started a new web blog series covering the inner workings of the band. Moonpsell has now posted the following first entry online, covering the negative aspects of social networking:

"Welcome to the brand new Moonspell notebook, Under the Moonspell. With the launch of this notebook (lacking a better term), the band intends to bring you a litlle bit closer and inside the Moonspell's world and routines, allowing to see and learn more about its members and activities, in a more "human" fashion. There is more than meets the eye when you are in a band and, somewhat, a lot of important information and events, do not translate into the fans, or gets to them corrupted and for all the wrong reasons.

"As most of you might know, Fernando (Ribeiro, lead singer), his wife and even his son, were anonymously attacked in Facebook by some infamous Portuguese haters. A couple of pages were created to mock and try to demolish their personality and things got uglier when these trolls got their more than deserved answer. Goes without saying that, perhaps, no reaction should ever take place in these occasions, but we all know that is easier said than done. After all, social networking should be used positively and it's only an act of pure cowardice to campaign against bands and their members. Especially, when anonymous haters cross the line into the bands' personal life. Everybody would agree that the fact of having a pulic persona should not serve as an excuse for abuse. Also, as the German philosopher Immanuel Kant (and many other greats) once theorized, freedom can only be a fruitful experience when rules of engagement are applied, otherwise one can easily fall in anarchic disrespect as happened to many people we have learned to like and respect. More...

The following press release has now been issued about Pain heading out on the "Into Darkness" tour:

"The gaping, sinister and black abyss has many faces – just like its musical offspring…for the second time, the Into Darkness tour will crawl upon Europe! In time for the dawning of black winter days, a live package will start hitting clubs November 9th and boasting a line up full of dark gems of the widest stylistic variety: industrial metal, gothic tunes, melancholic doom – this tour has it all: Pain, Moonspell, Swallow the Sun, Lake of Tears, and Scar of the Sun united on one tour.

"Swedish legends Pain, featuring maestro Peter Tägtgren, will fill the headliner position, and this act can truly make the dead dance! Morbid lyrics meet stomping industrial beats and wicked metal guitars: a band to make every goth, EBM freak and metalhead in the audience happy with evergreens such as ‘Follow Me‘ or ‘Shut Your Mouth‘! 2011 saw the release of 'You Only Live Twice' and Pain is renowned to spread a heavy and somber atmosphere live especially."

Watch the official Pain tour teaser trailer below. Tickets are available through Nuclear Blast at this location.

Chaostar, which features Christos Antoniou of Septicflesh, has issued the following update about recording a new album:

"The time has come. Chaostar will enter the Devasoundz studio (ROTTING CHRIST, SEPTICFLESH) on July 1st, for the final recordings of the forthcoming album, which will be released by Season of Mist.

"After months of persisting efforts over the final result, we are pleased to have in our hands the new material which fills us with satisfaction. A risky attempt to combine modern music, ethnic and avant-garde elements with different languages will soon be in your hands."

Chaostar's still untitled new album will also feature a guest appearance by Moonspell singer Fernando Ribeiro. Stay tuned for more details.

The Barge to Hell will sail Monday, December 3rd, 2012 from Miami, FL to Nassau, Bahamas and will not return you to the real world for five days until Friday, December 7th, 2012. The organizers of the floating festival have now issued the following announcement about confirming Corrosion of Conformity for the cruise:

"Every good old barge is corroded. But they are better, they are the Barge to Hell, The World's Most Extreme Metal Cruise and they have Corrosion of Conformity! Barge to Hell, the cruise where everyone has a backstage pass and you can mingle side-by-side with the Artists in this incredibly fan-friendly scenario that has no comparison.

"The madness begins on December 3rd, when 40 of the most extreme Metal Bands and 2,000 headbangers from around the world will go to the Caribbean to take over a luxury cruise ship for a 5 day and 4 night trip to the undead! See each of the 40 bands play two live shows on two different days."

Portuguese gothic metal act Moonspell has issued the following statement about missing a show in Kosice due to a bus breakdown:

"Dear Moonspell fans in Kosice,

"We are deeply sorry to announce that we will not be able to travel to your beautiful city and offer you a night of Fullmoon Madness.

"Our tourbus broke down in Zadar, Croatia and we weren't able to get it fixed in time to make it to the show. Words cannot describe our disappointment, and we can only imagine how sad you must be reading these news.

"We vow to do our best to come back sometime soon and offer you a night to remember!

"Until then, be sure that you are forever in our Wolfhearts."

Moonspell is touring in support of new album "Alpha Noir" (reviewed here), and you can also check out the band's music video for "Lickanthrope" off the new album at this location.

Barge To Hell is a five-day cruise from the organizers of the 70,000 Tons of Metal cruise. It departs from Miami, Florida on Monday, December 3rd and stops at Nassau, Bahamas before returning to Miami on Friday, December 7th. Booking for the cruise has opened to the general public, so book yours today.

The full Barge To Hell lineup so far is as follows, with many more bands to be announced: More...

The organizers of the Barge to Hell have issued the following announcement about confirming Holy Moses as the latest act to play the cruise:

"Who better to lead them on their journey to the undead than the mighty Holy Moses celebrating their 30th anniversary? Not once, because as you know, they do everything twice. You heard right, twice! Here is how it goes: On December 3rd, 40 of the most extreme Metal Bands and 2,000 headbangers from around the world will go to the Caribbean to take over a luxury cruise ship for a 5 day and 4 night trip to the undead! For the entire trip it's like everyone has a backstage pass and you can mingle side-by-side with the Artists in this incredibly fan-friendly scenario that has no comparison. See each of the 40 bands play two live shows on two different days. That's 80 shows with unrestricted festival access to the three stages, each with it's own unique atmosphere:

"The luxurious 'A Chorus Line' theater where they spare no expense to have the benches removed on the floor. Because at a Metal show, who actually wants assigned seating in front of the stage?

"The cozy 'Spectrum' that gives you the real club feeling.

"And their jewel: The open air stage on the pool deck. The biggest festival stage to sail the Oceans.

"You can also get all your memorabilia signed at the Meet & Greet sessions. Be part of their infamous Metal Karaoke and many other special activities with the Artists. And last, but not least: Don't forget that they have bars on board that never close! What are you waiting for? You might even need a vacation from this vacation when all is said and done."

Portuguese gothic metal band Moonspell posted a new music video for the song "White Skies." The song appears on the bonus album "Omega White," which is included with the deluxe version of the band's latest LP "Alpha Noir," which focuses more directly on the gothic rock/metal genre a la Type O Negative and Sisters of Mercy. The double album was released on April 27, 2012.

For a review of the "Alpha Noir" standard LP, head on over to this location.

A trailer was posted up for the upcoming "Into Darkness" Tour of Europe featuring Pain, Moonspell, Swallow the Sun, Lake of Tears and Scar of the Sun. The full schedule of dates and venues can be found at this location.

Portuguese gothic metal band Moonspell posted a teaser for the upcoming new music video for the song "White Skies." The song appears on the bonus album included with the band's latest LP "Alpha Noir" entitled "Omega White," which focuses more directly on the gothic rock/metal genre a la Type O Negative and Sisters of Mercy. The double album was released on April 27, 2012.

For a review of the "Alpha Noir" standard LP, head on over to this location.

With time running out for booking with promo codes for those who pre-registered, the organizers of Barge To Hell have announced more bands for the extreme metal cruise lineup, ahead of general public ticket sales opening this Friday, April 27, 2012 at 12PM EST.

At The Gates, Belphegor, Kampfar, Soilwork and Solstafir have been added to the lineup, which takes the list of known bands to 21 out of the final 40.

Barge To Hell, from the organizers of the 70,000 Tons of Metal cruise, will set sail on December 3, 2012 from Miami, cruise to Nassau in the Bahamas, and return to Miami on December 7.

Metal Underground.com contributor Goatlady was on board 70,000 Tons of Metal in January 2012, and reported on the action here:

"The gaping, sinister and black abyss has many faces – just like its musical offspring…for the second time, the Into Darkness tour will crawl upon Europe!

"In time for the dawning of black winter days, a live package will start hitting clubs November 9th and boasting a line up full of dark gems of the widest stylistic variety.

"Swedish legends Pain featuring maestro Peter Tägtgren (Hypocrisy) will fill the headliner position, and this act can truly make the dead dance! Morbid lyrics meet stomping industrial beats and wicked metal guitars: a band to make every goth, EBM freak and metalhead in the audience happy with evergreens such as ‘Eleanor Rigby‘, ‘Follow Me‘ or ‘Shut Your Mouth‘! 2011 saw the release of 'You Only Live Twice' and Pain are renowned to spread a heavy and somber atmosphere live especially."

Pain has the following upcoming live shows with Moonspell, Swallow the Sun, and Lake of Tears: More...

Moonspell has posted a teaser trailer online of the bonus album "Omega White," included with the special limited edition of new album "Alpha Noir." Check out the clip below. "Alpha Noir" is due out on April 27th, 2012 through Napalm Records (review coming soon).

You can also check out the band's previously posted music video for the song "Lickanthrope" at this location.

Portuguese gothic metal band Moonspell posted a new music video for "Lickanthrope." The song appears on the band's forthcoming LP "Alpha Noir," which is due out on April 27, 2012 through Napalm Records.

Moonspell will be touring in support of the band's new album "Alpha Noir," due out on April 27th, 2012 through Napalm Records (review forthcoming). Moonspell also has the following upcoming shows with Pain, Swallow the Sun, and Lake of Tears:

Portuguese gothic metal band Moonspell will be releasing the new album "Alpha Noir" on April 27th, 2012 through Napalm Records. The band has now issued the following statement about answering fan questions about the album:

"Dear all. Thanks for your questions. Here are our answers. Hope you enjoy them. We’re sorry about the delay. Busy times. Before we get to them, there were many questions asked about our live dates. They are very appreciated as we can’t wait to visit your countries and give you a taste of what we mean by Alpha and Omega while recreating our more vintage sets which the crowds have been responding so well.

"So far it’s the album coming with all its great and delicate foreplay. As for live dates besides the release show in Lisbon, Wacken and Brutal Assault, and the RTN Metalfests; our agents are working their hardest to book more around Europe and we will have those news for you soon enough. We have in the meanwhile confirmed new dates like Getaway Rock in Sweden, Dokken’ Open Air in Holland and MetalItalia in...Italia ;) near Milano. We will also confirmed the club shows in Greece and look forward for a quick confirmation of headliner shows in Turkey and Bulgária, around those dates. A European tour confirmation will be announced next Friday the 13th of April.

"As for South America, we are surprised about how many people from Brazil are writing us and for sure we will follow the deal and hope to do a more extensive tour in the country, rather than just one off date. Mexico and Colombia are in the plans but I guess Latin and North America will have to wait for after the Summer to see Moonspell live. But it will be worthy it. On top of that, Napalm Records is dealing with licensing deals over there and we will make our best to have our new album available in all territories. In the meanwhile, open some red and sit back, enjoying this album’s first fan interview."

Danial Honarbakhsh To Ricardo: What is the story of everything invaded solo? Did you write it or just hit record button and play? I ask because it's the most amazing piece of music that I heard.

Ricardo: Thank you for the warm comments on that solo. It means a lot to me. Well, for me a solo is like a small song inside the main song. Usually, it means that I get around 40 seconds of music where I must fit the right "small song". Sometimes I get lucky and it takes me 10 minutes to find the right sequence of notes that I'll use to play a solo that fits the music and empowers it's meaning. But it also can be very frustrating sometimes... For instance, it took me around 3 months to find the solo for scorpion flower! It's not about the amount of notes you can play but the way you display them, and sometimes the right display simply doesn't appear as fast as I wish it would. But for the song "everything invaded" I guess I was lucky. There's no big story around it, it was just the right inspiration at the right time. Just like a perfect alignment of planets.

Moonspell Street Team Romania Got three questions: one for Ricardo Amorim - What kind of amplifiers do you use? More...